LXM Pro: Q&A with PA native and pro player Michael Colleluori

While the majority of players in this weekend's LXM Pro Tour event in suburban Philadelphia have some MLL service time, Michael Colleluori has gone a different route in the year since his graduation from Hofstra. But the Midfielder is getting back into the spotlight on Saturday, playing for team Monster Energy at what was once his rival high school.

We caught up with Colleluori (who you may also know from his work with the HEADStrong Foundation and its related tournaments/exposure) in advance of the weekend's action to talk about what he's been up to and what he expects to see in LXM's first east coast event.

IL: So Mike, we know that you haven't been in the league, is this the first lacrosse that you've played since graduating?

Michael Colleluori: No, I've been playing a good bit on my own in summer ball around town and for GMH - which won the championship of our league. I just wasn't feeling the professional league out of college, wanted to get established in my career. But I've definitely missed the game at the next level and hopefully this is the start of a way back into it.

IL: So what have you been doing with your time?
MC: I took a job at the University of Pennsylvania hospital as a research assistant - I actually work with the same team that treated my brother Nick (ed note: for those not familiar with HEADStrong, the group is named in honor of Nick Colleluori, who passed away after a battle with non-hodgkins lymphoma - the charity works towards finding a cure for blood cancers). It's a lot of responsibility with clinical trials, working with patients, etc. I'm more or less a doctor's right-hand man.

I've been there for a little over a year and have made some great connections. It's also really helped me with our work at HEADStrong, because I am able to see the people we're working for every day. I'm also taking classes.

I also am taking some acting classes and work with the foundation. And teach private lacrosse lessons. There's a lot of stuff going on right now.

IL: Sounds busy. So how did you get hooked up with the LXM event?
MC: When the first one happened, I got a call from Max Ritz - He's a year older than me and we know each other very well. Anyways, they asked me if I could play in the other two (California and Austin) but I had other things going on with HEADStrong and couldn't make it. I'm excited for this weekend and to see what it's all about.

IL: You've played in the summer clubs, but are you worried about the level this weekend?
MC: I'm actually really excited to get out there. Once you graduate from college, you don't have many opportunities to see that level of play again.

IL: You're from nearby, are you expecting to have a bunch of family there?
MC: Absolutely - My mom will be there and we've reached out to some family members too. I think it would be great to try to get some exposure. We also reached out to some of our HEADStrong people because maybe we could have a relationship down the road (with LXM). They're all good people - Max Ritz actually coaches team Relentless out in California, so we're all in this together.

IL: How long have you known the Ritz family?
MC: Well we played against Radnor in the PA championship and my brother Nick actually guarded Max that game, so there's a lot of memories. Just seeing this thing take off has reminded me a lot about what we've experienced with the HEADStrong foundation. It's been great.

IL: What do you think the reaction of the fans in Philly is going to be?
MC: I can't really predict the future, but I really would love to see the stands packed. They're doing great work and I hope to see the fans get out there and support it. Philadelphia is really one of the hotbeds of lacrosse, and I think it's a great chance to take their LXM concept and show it to the fans on the east coast.

I know HEADStrong is going to be there in the vendor area and my parents are going to be there doing their thing. Hopefully we all contribute to the game and can do this again.